“Sleepy eyes” (졸려 보이는 눈) usually refer to hidden ptosis, where the upper eyelid muscles do not open the eye fully. In Korea, sleepy eye correction surgery is one of the most requested aesthetic–functional eyelid procedures because it makes the eyes look brighter, larger, and more defined, while improving symmetry and vision.

Korea is known for advanced ptosis correction techniques that create natural, dynamic double eyelids—not the heavy or overly lifted look seen elsewhere.

What Is Sleepy Eye Correction?

Sleepy eye correction is Korea’s term for ptosis correction (안검하수 교정술) with or without double eyelid surgery.
The goal is to:

• Strengthen or tighten the levator muscle
• Open the eyelids wider and more evenly
• Reduce forehead lifting
• Create a stable, natural double eyelid crease (if desired)

It addresses both appearance and function.

Why Sleepy Eyes Happen

Common causes include:

• Weak levator muscle (natural anatomy)
• Congenital ptosis
• Aging or stretching of eyelid tissues
• Temporary or long-term contact lens use
• Previous double eyelid surgery with recurrence
• Fatigue of the Müller muscle

When the eyelid covers too much of the pupil, the eyes may look:

• Sleepy
• Small or half-open
• Asymmetrical
• Tired even after sufficient rest

Types of Sleepy Eye Correction in Korea

Korean clinics customize the surgery based on levator strength and eyelid anatomy.

1. Levator Advancement

Best for mild–moderate ptosis.
The levator muscle is tightened and repositioned to lift the eyelid to the ideal height.

2. Levator Resection

Used for moderate–severe sleepy eyes.
More muscle tightening is done for a stronger lifting effect.

3. Frontalis Suspension

Used when the levator is extremely weak.
The eyelid connects to the forehead muscle for lifting support.

4. Non-Incisional Ptosis Correction

Used in mild cases with thin skin.
Creates a double eyelid while supporting the muscle using tiny openings, minimal downtime.

5. Combined Ptosis + Double Eyelid Surgery

The most popular option in Korea.
This creates:

• More open eyes
• A long-lasting crease
• Better symmetry
• A natural “dynamic eyelid” that folds smoothly when blinking

Why Korea Is Known for Sleepy Eye Correction

Korean surgeons focus on:

• Precision levator measurement (MRD1, muscle strength tests)
• Personalized crease design for each face
• Natural results, not overly lifted or surprised looks
• Symmetry between both eyes
• Fast recovery techniques
• High volumes of cases, improving skill and stability

Many international patients visit Korea specifically for this surgery because it blends aesthetic artistry + functional correction.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may need sleepy eye correction surgery if you have:

• Eyes that look half-open or tired
• Upper eyelids covering the pupil
• Smaller eye appearance in photos
• Constantly lifting eyebrows to see
• Dissatisfied results after previous double eyelid surgery
• Asymmetry between left and right eyelids

Procedure Overview

Step 1: Diagnostic Evaluation

• Levator muscle strength
• Eyelid height and symmetry
• Pupil exposure
• Crease design (if double eyelid is included)

Step 2: Corrective Muscle Surgery

The levator is tightened or reconstructed depending on severity.

Step 3: Double Eyelid Creation (Optional but Common)

A natural crease is shaped to match your lifted eyelid height.

Step 4: Fine Adjustment

Korean surgeons spend extra time adjusting symmetry between eyes for a balanced, natural look.

Recovery Timeline

• 1–3 days: swelling, tightness around eyes
• 1 week: daily activities resume, stitches removed (incisional cases)
• 2–4 weeks: shape becomes more natural
• 3–6 months: final symmetry & crease stability

Because the levator muscle is involved, sleepy eye correction requires slightly more recovery time than simple double eyelid surgery.

Benefits of Sleepy Eye Correction in Korea

• Bigger, brighter, more alert-looking eyes
• Improved symmetry
• Natural, stable double eyelid crease
• Reduced forehead tension & headaches
• Wider visual field
• More youthful, refreshed appearance